- What: PFL Nashville
- Who: Denis Goltsov vs. Timothy Johnson
- Date: Friday, August 2, 2024
- Location: Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee
- Time: Early Card (6:00 p.m. ET), Main Card (9:00 p.m. ET), Main Event (around 10:45 p.m. ET)
- How to Watch: Prelims (ESPN+) Main Card (ESPN, or ESPN+), Main Event (ESPN, or ESPN+)
PFL Playoffs have been something else this season. The road continues this time in Nashville on Friday night headlined by the main event between two heavyweights looking for a spot in the Heavyweight Final. Now, PFL Nashville on ESPN takes place on August 2 at Ethiad Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. Finally, on the main of the ESPN card, heavyweight Timothy Johnson takes on Russian Denis Goltsov. The Best PFL Nashville bets dive into some background for this big bout.
Denis Goltsov, the favorite, (34-8) has won six of his previous sevent PFL fights. He is 2-0 in 2024 and advanced to the Heavyweight Final last year before falling to Renan Ferreira. That TKO was more on Goltsov having his eyes more on the prize than on the opponent in front of him. This time, he expects to learn his lesson. So far, his three 2024 bouts have all been a display of his punching precision.
Timothy Johnson (18-9) has won three straight fights. That includes a PFL debut win in June over Danilo Marques. Some concern lies in the nine losses as Johnson has a tendency to led his guard down at crucial moments. Also, that age (39) could be a factor going against the American.
With only one common opponent (Linton Vassell), there is only so much to go on. What are some of the best bets for the Denis Goltsov vs. Timothy Johnson clash on this PFL Nashville card? Bovada Online Sportsbook Review has some great PFL numbers and bsome helpful betting bonuses and promotions.
PFL Nashville: Denis Goltsov vs. Timothy Johnson Betting Picks
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Best PFL Nashville Bets: Denis Goltsov Betting Analysis
When it comes to the Best PFL Nashville Bets, it is important to know Denis Goltsov has been here a few times before. So, betting analysis runs favorable to the 34-year-old Russian. He may not go a full three rounds often but has shown the stamina to easily last for the entire distance. His proficiency in Sambo aids Goltsov in his fight against Johnson this Friday night.
Now, Goltsov is one of those fighters who can use submission techniques. Honestly, he prefers to utilize his fists to great effect. Five of his last six knockouts have come via the punches. He does have several chokeholds at his disposal too. His most recent submission was an arm-triangle choke. Rarely, does he put his opponent on the ground but his ground game is underrated.
Defense could be vital with the Russian knowing Johnson pretty well Remember the five year age different in favor of Goltsov. This is part of the Heavyweight Title Eliminator. The goal is simple to advance to the Final. Goltsov is more laser focused than ever after what happened last year in the Final. He does not want that to happen again.
So, the expectations for the Russian are victory this Friday in Nashville. Yes, Johnson is one of the top heavyweights in the business. He was once an interim Bellator World Champion. However, the Russian could prove to be a little toostrong here. Goltsov's ability to pound and ground combatants gives him the edge here in this bout.
PFL Nashville: Timothy Johnson Betting Picks
Timothy Johnson gets called "The Midwest Nightmare" because of where he was born. The reality is that Johnson resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. That is where he got into the business and now calls home. Consider that his punching power is also well-known in PFL and Bellator. However, pundits sometimes forget how big the man is. He is generously listed at 264 pounds with a 78-inch reach. Okay, the Best PFL Nashville Bets do question his ability to stay upright in this Friday rumble with Goltsov.
His last three wins have come against inferior opponents. One decision and two TKO's by punches are not a surprise. After all, Johnson does not like to go the distance. He has remarked about his age and wanting to end fights early. Naturally, opponents will pick on that. On the other hand, if Johnson gets Goltsov in front of him and stuns him then look out.
That will prove to be the key. The American fighter will want the knockout but so will the Russian. That is the thing. Johnson knows a win is vital as this may be his last shot. An upset is possible. Again if Johnson connects early and often, he has a chance.
Best PFL Nashville Bets – Denis Goltsov vs. Timothy Johnson
When combing around the Best PFL Nashville Bets, the first thing is do not get enamored by rankings. For one, the thought process is a little different even when compared to the UFC or Bellator. Plus, these two combatants are more punch first and ask questions later. That is their preferred method of knockouts.
Goltsov, especially, must keep alert all the time. Johnson shows an ability to deliver from unexpected angles for someone who tips the scales at more than 260 pounds. He has about 15-20 pounds on the Russian. The Russian's speed is a huge part of his power. Goltsov can throw combinations and uppercuts that will fall much bigger men.
The betting pick of Denis Goltsov to win by knockout rolls in at an excellent +150. This fight does not expect to go the full three rounds and fans/bettors will get their money's worth here. Expect Goltsov to roll into the Final with a bang!
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